On Wednesday morning, dozens of volunteers in bright orange vests gathered at intersections, parking lots and other high‑traffic spots across northern Santa Barbara County and southern San Luis Obispo County. Their mission: sell special‑edition $1 copies of the Santa Maria Times to support Mission Hope, a nonprofit that provides vital services to cancer patients in the Central Coast region.
Starting at 7 a.m., volunteer teams representing friends, family members, schools, businesses, churches and local government handed out the newspapers. The sales took place primarily in Santa Maria and Orcutt, with additional outreach in Lompoc, Guadalupe, Nipomo, Arroyo Grande, Grover Beach and Pismo Beach.
Community generosity fuels patient care
“We really appreciate everybody who comes by and donates for Day of Hope,” said James Stoddard, a former Mission Hope patient who was selling papers on behalf of the Rotary Club of Santa Maria. “Those dollars go to work in our local community helping those who are battling cancer.”
Another volunteer, cancer survivor Joan Miers, echoed the sentiment: “It’s very touching. It’s actually very humbling how many people come out. They give money. It’s amazing!”
All proceeds from the newspaper sales will be directed straight to patient services and programs at Mission Hope’s two centers – the flagship facility in Santa Maria and a satellite location inside the Matthew Will Memorial Medical Center in Arroyo Grande.
Fundraising milestones
Since its inception in 2014, Day of Hope has raised more than $3.1 million for the organization. Last year’s effort alone contributed $473,000. This year’s volunteers hope to surpass that figure, reinforcing the nonprofit’s ability to provide counseling, transportation, nutritional assistance and other essential support to those fighting cancer.
Donations can also be made online through September 18 via the official Day of Hope website, allowing supporters who cannot attend the street sales to still contribute to the cause.
Why local support matters
Mission Hope’s work is rooted in the Central Coast community, offering a safety net for families facing the emotional and financial strain of cancer treatment. By keeping the fundraiser local, the event underscores the region’s commitment to caring for its own – a principle that aligns with the values of family, faith and individual liberty cherished by many residents.
The Day of Hope initiative demonstrates how a grassroots effort, powered by volunteers of all ages and backgrounds, can make a tangible difference in the lives of patients and their families. As the $1 newspaper sales continue throughout the day, the hope is that the community’s generosity will translate into even more resources for those who need them most.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
